How to Fix Common French Door Repair Problems
French doors can give an air of elegance to any house. They are also ideal for homes with a period.
They're also an easy addition to keep. It is recommended to clean them frequently using a mild soap solution.
However, they are susceptible to being damaged over time just as any other door. There are several methods to repair these doors.
Broken or damaged window
A cracked or broken glass window isn't just visually unattractive, but also compromises the security of your home and its insulation. It's impossible to stop the crack from extending for a long time, but you can slow the process by making a few quick and simple fixes.
First, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves while working with glass, as it is very easy to break shards of glass when you're not careful. To get rid of dirt and other debris, use a moist cloth to clean the area surrounding the crack. This will ensure that the adhesive that you use to fix the crack sticks properly and does not leak or cause further damage.
Decide if you'd like to employ a temporary solution, such as tape or plastic film, to cover the hole or if a permanent solution is what you'd prefer. If you decide to choose the latter option, be sure you use a glass glue specifically designed specifically for glass and windows like Loctite's Super Glue Glass. It is durable and can be used outside or inside your glass and windows. It's perfect for quick repairs.
A clear nail polish can also be used to temporarily fill in cracks. This is particularly useful for stress cracks that develop when the temperature changes dramatically from hot to cold. Be aware that nail polish wasn't created to withstand water, so it won't last for an indefinite period of time. You can also cover the windows with a plastic sheet, that will protect them and keep out bugs, rain and wind.
Sagging Hinges
A door that is sagging can be a source of irritation and could affect the stability of your home. Fortunately, most of the time it is easy to fix. It is important to fix the issue as soon as your door starts to slide. Otherwise, minor problems can escalate into bigger ones like squeaks, or other major misalignments.
Start by examining the hinges to find out what's causing the issue. The loose screws are often the reason. If tightening the screws does not resolve the sagging, replacing them with longer screws may help. The longer screws will help assist in supporting the weight of your door and prevent it from sliding.
You may also need to add shims to adjust the hinge's location. These thin strips of metal can be inserted between the hinge and the frame or jamb, spreading the weight of the door evenly and preventing any future sagging. Use a doorstop or have someone else hold the door while you remove the screws from the damaged hinge, and then carefully lift the door off of the hinges.
It's important to remember that a floor that is uneven can cause the door to sag. Understanding this can prompt you to check the floor and address any issues that may help you solve the problem of sagging without focusing solely on the door itself. french door glass replacement sagging could be due to the condition of hinge parts like the knuckle or the pin. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the hinges, which is a task that isn't easy for those with no carpentry expertise. In some cases the hinges that are sagging may indicate that the door's structure is too heavy for the frame or jamb.
Doors that aren't aligned
Doors that are not aligned properly can cause them to slide, scrape against the frame, or be difficult to latch. A door that isn't aligned correctly can be a nuisance however it could also cause energy inefficiency and squeaky, scratchy noises throughout your home. Luckily, there are several easy ways to fix this issue without calling in an expert.
If the gap between your doors is uneven, it could indicate that the hinges need to be tightened. If the gap isn't excessive, it could be due to the frame of your door has shifted or settled over time. In this case it is possible to use shims to reset the frame.
A high humidity in the air is a common reason for misalignment. This could cause the wood to swell and cause doors to close properly. This isn't a permanent issue, and usually goes away once the humidity drops.
Many people are aware that their doors aren't aligned after a rainstorm however the solution is simple: simply tighten the hinge screws to fix the alignment. This is usually enough to fix the issue, but if it doesn't, consider using longer screws for your hinges. This will give the hinges more support and stop them from falling off again.
A misaligned strikeplate is another possible issue. The strike plate is typically moved lower to make room for the latch. This is a simple fix, however, you must take off the old strike plate and then drill holes for it. Then, you can use a wood dowel that's the same diameter as the screw hole to fill in the old holes, and then fix the strike plate to its new location.
Broken Latch
If the latch does not retract when you press the handle or manually push it, it's likely that something within the mechanism's internals is broken. You can identify the cause of the issue by examining where the latch contacts are located. A lipstick test can help determine if the issue caused by sagging hinges or a misaligned latch bolts, a narrow strike plate hole or a combination of issues. To test the lipstick put a strip of lipstick (or similar marking material) on the latch. Close and open the latch. If the latch touches either the lipstick below or the lipstick above the strike plate, this indicates that the latch and the strike plate are not in contact.
The best solution is to lubricate your latch. Lubricating can be done using a graphite pen, which works better than WD-40 or other dry fluids. You can also try inserting a cotton swab in the keyhole to get rid of any dirt that has built up in the keyhole.
If lubricating the latch doesn't solve the issue, you may need to relocate the strike plate. If you've sanded or shimmied the hinges, or enlarged the strike plate hole, you'll need to relocate the strike plate to the proper position in relation to the latch. After you've moved the strike plate and adjusted the latch to the correct location, test the latch to ensure it's functioning correctly. If the latch is not working you can use a wood filler to fill in any holes or gaps caused by moving the strike plate or sanding hinges. Then you can stain or paint the frame to complete the repair.
Leaks
A serious issue can arise from French doors that leak. They could allow water to be able to seep into your home, causing wood damage and the growth of mold. This can lead to expensive repairs in the near future. The good news is, the majority of French door leaks are easily repaired with a little effort and a few basic tools.
Poor weatherproofing is among the most common causes of leakage from French doors. This is due to the unique design of French doors, which are made up of large areas of glass and a frame. It is important to inspect your French doors on a regular basis for signs of wear that could lead to leaks. It is crucial to make sure that all seals haven't been damaged and are in good condition.
If you find that your French doors are leaking when it rains it's a good idea conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the leak. Look for visible indications of water intrusion for example, damaged seals on the frames of windows or around windows. Also the presence of rusty threshold sealants could be an indication. Check that the threshold is properly insulated and sealed.
A French door can leak during rain when there is a blockage within the lock mechanism. If this is the case, you'll have to clean the lock using a silicone spray. This will help lubricate the lock and prevent it from becoming stuck. If you're having trouble opening the lock, it could be because the key is worn or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can get an alternative key from most hardware stores. If your key is too long or is worn out, it could be time to install a new lock.